Rev. Edward M. Konopka
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The Reverend Edward M. Konopka, son of the late Myron T. And Anna M. Konopka died Feb. 16 2022, following a long illness. Fr. Konopka, a Middletown native, attended local schools and graduated from Wesleyan University with distinction in French. His seminary studies followed at Grand Seminaire de Saint -Brieuc, in Brittany, France. His ordination, in 1960, was held in Middletown at St. Francis of Assisi church, his family parish. Fr. Konopka's first assignment was in 1960 as assistant pastor to Fr. Norman St. Martin in, Higganum, CT. Several appointments followed: Occum, CT, St Mary's Church in Putnam, St Mary, Star of the Sea in New London, St Bernard's School in Uncasville, Sacred Heart Church, in Vernon and then back to St. Peter Church in Higganum where he remained for nearly thirty-three years. While in Higganum, Fr. Konopka served in several posts; Vicar for Clergy, Dean of Middletown Deanery and Chaplain of Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Fr. Konopka had the rare and blessed opportunity to age with his parishioners and to become an integral part of so many lives. His retirement years spent in Santa Fe, New Mexico gifted him with yet another group of dear friends. Father Konopka leaves a brother, William Konopka of Cromwell, CT and nieces Maura Dilk of Cromwell and Meg O'Conner of Schaumberg, IL. Father also leaves his sister, Myra-Anne Keller of Colorado Springs Co. and her son, Christopher Fiore of Columbia, CT. Niece, Karen Fiore-Green, of Glenview, IL predeceased her uncle. Fr. Konopka has left a huge void in the many lives he touched. His intelligence, his sense of humor, his love of friends and especially his family will be greatly missed.
Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Friday April 22, at St. Peter Church, 30 St Peter Lane Higganum CT until 7 p.m. at which time a Parish Mass will be celebrated. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 10 a.m. at St Peter Church, by the Most Reverend Michael Cote, Bishop of Norwich. A reception will follow. Burial will be private. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.